Ecology Test Corrections PLHS

Ms. Cullen

Read the instructions very carefully. If the correct format is not followed, you will not receive
points back. All test corrections need to be hand-written neatly on lined paper. In order to
receive points back, every wrong answer must be corrected. Students have the opportunity to
gain half of the points back that they missed (e.g., a student who scored 66% can earn 17
points back for a score of 83%. A copy of the test can be found on my website
(emcullen.weebly.com). If students do not have access to a computer or internet at home, they
may request a paper copy from the teacher.

1. Write the number of the question.

2. State the correct answer (the word or phrase, not just the letter choice)
3. Explain why that answer is correct.
4. Include your scantron with your corrections, but DO NOT STAPLE IT

For example:
27. The correct answer is microorganisms, because they act as decomposers by feeding
on dead organic matter.
Test Corrections are Due Wednesday, Sep. 27, at the
beginning of class.
1. What is the smallest unit of life?
a. Molecule
b. Atom
c. Cell
d. Bacteria
2. All the abiotic and biotic factors in a small forest form a(n) ______________.
a. Population
b. Community
c. Ecosystem
d. Biosphere
3. All plants are:
a. Producers
b. Decomposers
c. Autotrophs
d. Both (a) and (c)
4. Which of the following terms is not an example of symbiosis?
a. Commensalism
b. Mutation
c. Parasitism
d. Mutualism
Ecology Test Corrections PLHS
Ms. Cullen

True/False: Identify each statement as true or false.

5. An organisms role in its environment is called its niche.
a. True
b. False
6. A limiting abiotic factor in the marine biome is sunlight.
a. True
b. False
7. Autotrophs use energy from the sun to convert carbon dioxide and water into their own
food (sugar).
a. True
b. False

Use the energy pyramid to answer the following questions:

8. In an energy pyramid, how much energy is transferred to the next trophic level when
organisms are eaten?
a. 100%
b. 10%
c. 90%
d. 0%
9. Which species could be classified as both predator and prey?
a. Kelp
b. Sea urchins
c. Sea otters
d. Orcas
Ecology Test Corrections PLHS
Ms. Cullen

10. Which species on the pyramid is NOT considered a heterotroph?

a. Kelp
b. Sea urchins
c. Sea otters
d. Orcas
11. Which of the following is not an example of a trophic level?
a. Decomposer
b. Producer
c. Primary Consumer
d. Prey

Matching:
12. This biome has the highest biodiversity of all the biomes.
13. This biome has the largest temperature fluctuations (changes) from day to night.
14. This biome has permafrost, an underground layer of soil that is always frozen.
15. In this biome, algae are the most common producers instead of plants.
16. This biome is known for broad-leafed trees that that lose leaves and remain dormant
during winters
a. Desert
b. Temperate Deciduous Forest
c. Tundra
d. Marine
e. Tropical Rainforest

Matching:
17. An interaction between species in which one organism benefits and the other is
harmed.
18. An interaction between fungus and algae, known as lichen, is an example of
___________, because both organisms benefit.
19. The number and variety of species living in an ecosystem is called ______________.
20. When two species populations require the same resource for food or shelter, it results
in _________.
21. The name for an animal that gets its energy from eating other organisms is called a
___________.
a. Biodiversity
b. Parasitism
Ecology Test Corrections PLHS
Ms. Cullen

c. Heterotroph
d. Competition
e. Mutualism

For the following factors, mark A for Abiotic and B for Biotic.
22. An owl and a hawk both trying to eat field mice
23. High winds in the desert
24. A river creating a canyon
25. a rattle snake stalking and eating a mouse
26. A wildfire in the hills of Los Angeles

Use the food web below to answer the following questions.

27. Which organism acts as a decomposer?

a. Mice
b. Coyote
c. Microorganisms
d. Snakes
28. Which organism represents the smallest amount of stored energy?
a. Insects
b. Lizards
c. Cactus
d. Hawks
29. What is the original source of energy for all organisms in this food web?
Ecology Test Corrections PLHS
Ms. Cullen

a. Cactus
b. Sun
c. Microorganisms
d. Water

30. In an ecosystem, a change in one population of organisms can have effects on many
different parts of an environment. In a desert environment, local authorities want to
spray the area with insecticide in order to kill ticks carrying a disease that is dangerous
to humans. However, they need to make sure the spray will not affect the endangered
coyote species that lives there. Using your knowledge of ecology, explain how
insecticide will change at least three of the interactions shown in the food web above.
Use those reasons to make a claim of whether or not the authorities should spray.